I think I wanted to take Isabelle to Cambridge because after visiting it in September, I thought it was one of the more interesting places I had ever visited. After today’s trip, I am already ready to return. With over 30 colleges and numerous ones being religious based with their sometimes extravagant chapels, the abundance of interesting architecture is amazing. Add to that so many of these structures were constructed in the middle ages and all the impressiveness is compounded. The magnificence of the King’s College Chapel must be seen to be fully appreciated. Unfortunately, Trinity College, Cambridge’s largest college founded in 1546, was not open today or in September when we were here so we have yet to see what is likely to be another architectural gem in this fascinating community.
Take the description for Pembroke College. “Enter Old Court where on the left are the oldest buildings of the college, dating back to the second half of the 14th century. The college chapel is the first building to be designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1659. You will see wide channels on either side of the road. These formed part of the water supply system for Cambridge in 1610.” And on and on. Everywhere you look in this city are interesting building shapes and relationships. The fascinating structures seem to be endless, at least to me.
I took 150 pictures today. In the interest of not putting everyone to sleep yet again, I am only posting 32. I wish I could do the buildings more justice in trying to shoot them. We had a great day including perfect weather again in Cambridge which included Isabelle’s first trip by train and concluded with dinner at one of our all time favorite restaurants, Patara.
Wrapping up tomorrow and returning to Colorado on Saturday.
Oooooooh Jack!!! Talk about adding insult to injury. Not only do I miss out on dinner with you guys, but now you visit Cambridge instead of Oxford!!!!!!!! It really is a good job I love you guys so much or our friendship might have been in serious jeopardy. 🙂
On a serious note, glad you guys are having such a lovely time. I do love Cambridge, but I promise you Oxford can totally compete (and does in just about everything).
Stay safe and keep having fun xx
It was a tough call because you are a nearly(!) irresistible attraction to come to Oxford. I decided we would stick with things we had already done to make our trip with Isabelle as efficient as possible. We are becoming addicted to the area and will be back and would love to see Oxford, especially under your guidance. In the meantime, we might see you in September. Glad things are going well and look forward to seeing you asap.
And in the spirit of competition and an attempt to put Oxford on the list for the next trip:
Mathew Arnold (1822-1888) immortalised Oxford in his poem ‘Thyrsis:
And that sweet city with her dreaming spires,
She needs not June for beauty’s heightening,
Lovely at all times she lies, lovely tonight!
Attractions to convince you include:
George’s Tower built c.1071 – A rare peice of stone miltary architecture surviving from the conquest period
Christ Church Cathedral – 13th Century and formerly the priory church of St Frideswide Abbey.
University Church of St Marys – Universities main meeting place in the 13th Century and the oldest remaining part of the church is the spire which was built in the early 14th century.
Plus –
Magaden College Bell Tower – built in 1492 and the tallest of Oxford’s medieval towers.
Radcliffe Camera (1737-49) – Baroque architecture by James Gibbs
All Souls College (1715) – By Hawksmoor himself
Sheldonian Theatre – designed in 1644 by Wren
And the list goes on…
We should have had Isabelle research the art and architecture before going. Very nice pictures and looks like another nice day!